StoryCorps’ One Small Step initiative aims to unite people one conversation at a time, especially in a divided nation. Tri States Public Radio (TSPR) has partnered with StoryCorps to share stories of individuals paired to discuss their similarities and differences. TSPR was one of four public radio stations nationwide selected to participate in the 2025 *One Small Step* program, according to TSPR General Manager Heather Norman.
So far, one recorded conversation features Democratic Sen. Mike Halpin and Republican Rep. Dan Swanson, who met in the TSPR studio. Despite their political differences, the two found common ground through guided questions that highlighted their shared humanity and allowed them to learn more about each other. This recording will join other *One Small Step* stories archived in the Library of Congress Folklife Archives.
To date, TSPR has received 21 applications for the local *One Small Step* program, with interviews scheduled in the coming months. Those interested can apply at tspr.org/take-one-small-step-tristate-region-with-tspr-and-storycorps. After applications are reviewed by Norman, reporter Jane Carlson, or an intern, applicants are paired with someone holding different viewpoints for a civil conversation.
“The motto for One Small Step is ‘More Conversation. Less Polarization,’” Norman said. “The program began in 2016 to bring people together. While our program is for 2025, we hope to continue it next year. For our sessions, Jane or I serve as the interviewer, using prompts from StoryCorps to start the conversation. The questions encourage participants to share their views, values, and why they believe what they do. It’s a chance to get to know people in your community and realize you’re both just people.”
Melissa Velasquez of StoryCorps said the organization launched a Hubs Alumni Network to help participating stations continue their work beyond the first year. Stations often develop new ideas for adapting *One Small Step* to their communities after their initial participation.
Although TSPR’s first recorded conversation featured well-known politicians, Norman emphasized that the 50-minute discussions are intended for everyday people, not just public figures.
“We live in a polarized world, and it can be difficult to have a discussion with someone who holds different views,” she said. “Social media offers a lot of discourse, but it’s not the best place to truly connect. We saw this during the pandemic, when people were isolated behind screens. *One Small Step* aims to restore human connection, which aligns with public radio’s mission to foster community and conversation.”
During the application process, TSPR staff use responses to find the best conversation partner for each participant. Norman and Carlson review each application to pair people with differing perspectives.
“If we find a match, we’ll reach out to discuss your goals,” Norman said. “When we schedule the conversation, we provide materials to help you prepare.”
Sen. Halpin said initiatives like *One Small Step* are crucial for understanding opposing views, even if participants don’t agree. He noted that many Americans often talk past each other in conversations.
“It was important to me to sit down with Dan and be an example of how we can communicate as people, not just as political opponents,” Halpin said. “These conversations give us room to treat each other as humans, not as one-dimensional characters on the other side of the political spectrum. The more we mend that fabric, the better off we’ll be in the long run.”
Halpin and Swanson found surprising common ground, including their early interest in public service. Swanson served in the Army National Guard, while Halpin initially applied to ROTC but was disqualified due to asthma and eyesight. Both later found ways to serve their communities and were elected to the General Assembly in the same year.
Swanson said he joined the program to capture stories from across the political spectrum and to share insights from his experience that might help others considering similar paths.
“I enjoyed participating in the program,” Swanson said. “Your story is important, so share it with others. It was interesting to learn that Sen. Halpin clerked for the Illinois Supreme Court from 2008 to 2010 and now works at McCarthy, Callas & Feeney, P.C. We often talk about family and personal relationships. Our differences are in policy, but when policy and friendship mix, relationships can become divisive. As shown in the recording, our policies differ, but we kept the discussion cordial.” [Edited for clarity and conciseness]
After completing their conversation, participants can choose whether to share the recording with TSPR, StoryCorps (https://archive.storycorps.org/), and the Library of Congress. If they prefer to keep it private, those wishes are respected. Stories can also be shared anonymously.
“*One Small Step* reminds people that we are all human and connected,” Norman said. “It’s about seeing how much we have in common.”
Since its launch nine years ago, nearly 6,000 people across all 50 states have taken part in *One Small Step* conversations. For more information, email [email protected].
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About StoryCorps
Founded in 2003, StoryCorps has helped over 660,000 people across all 50 states record interviews about their lives. The award-winning organization preserves these recordings in its archive at the American Folklife Center at the Library of Congress—the largest collection of human voices ever gathered. Select stories are shared through StoryCorps’ podcast, NPR broadcasts, animated shorts, digital platforms, and best-selling books.
These stories reflect the wide range of American experiences, fostering empathy and connection while highlighting how much more unites us than divides us. StoryCorps is especially committed to capturing voices least heard in the media. Its Mobile Booth, an Airstream trailer transformed into a traveling recording studio, tours the country year-round.
2023 marked StoryCorps’ 20th anniversary. Learn more at storycorps.org.
